A is for Aden and Z is for Zanzabar

A is for Aden and Z is for Zanzibar... Now what is between? For the world wide classical era philatelist and stamp collector, a country specific philatelic survey is offered by the blog author, Jim Jackson, with two albums: Big Blue, aka Scott International Part 1 (checklists available), and Deep Blue, aka William Steiner's Stamp Album Web PDF pages. In addition, "Bud" offers commentary and a look at his completely filled Big Blue. Interested? So into the Blues...

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Quick History
Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands reigned from 1890-1948. When she abdicated in 1948, because of advanced age, in favor of her daughter Juliana, she was the only remaining survivor of the 16 European kings and one queen that were on the throne when she had her coronation in 1898.

Wilhelmina wearing her coronation robe in 1898

She was one tough queen. Churchill is said to have described her as the as the only "real man" among the governments-in-exile in London.

She had ambivalent attitudes toward the United Kingdom. She resented the annexation of the Republics of Transvaal and the Orange Free State in the Boer War. The Boers, of course, were Dutch colonists.

At the end of WWI, Kaiser Wilhelm fled to the Netherlands, where he was granted political asylum, partially due to familial linkage with Queen Wilhelmina. When the Allies still tried to apprehend him, the Queen called in the ambassadors, and lectured them on the rights of asylum.

On May 10, 1940, Germany invaded the Netherlands, and the Queen and her family retreated to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King George VI, where she took charge of the Dutch government in exile. She was the figurehead of resistance for the Dutch, as she broadcast messages to the people over Radio Oranje.

The many stamp images and issues of Wilhelmina found for the Netherlands are now, one hopes, visualized with real flesh and bones.

1927 Scott B22 5c (+3c) olive green & yellow

"Arms of Groningen"

Into the Deep Blue
This blog post will feature a sample of the semipostal issues of the Netherlands between the years 1906-1934.

Semipostals, stamps where one pays a premium over the printed postal denomination, are popular in many countries as a means to raise funds for charities, or for special projects. The United States has never issued semipostals. Consequently, the U.S. collector is not all that familiar or comfortable with them. Scott places them in the "Back of the Book" section, rather than among the "regular" issues. They are viewed as something "optional" to collect. And true, by their very nature, they will be more expensive for the collector to accumulate than regular issues. Most Big Blue albums reasonably filled, will still have mostly empty pages for the semipostals.

And semipostals are often the most strikingly designed stamps for a country. Witness the semipostals of the Netherlands:- well, let's look for ourselves. ;-)

A closer look at the stamps and issues
100 Cents = 1 Gulden

1906 Scott B2 3c (+3c) pale olive green "Combating Tuberculosis"

The first three stamp semipostal issue for the Netherlands was produced in 1906, and the surtax aided the Society for the Prevention of Tuberculosis. It has four symbolical designs featuring the four chief means for combating Tuberculosis: namely, light, water, air, and food. Many of the sanatoriums in Europe were located in light airy places- such as mountain retreats. (Witness The Magic Mountain - Der Zauberberg- by Thomas Mann.)

Even today, Tuberculosis requires a multi-chemical cocktail for treatment to prevent resistant strains from emerging.

Note this particular stamp has an "Amsterdam 31,07 10-12N" postmark? These are CTO varieties, and are worth much less

1923 Scott B4 2c (+5c) violet blue

"Symbolical of Charity"

The second set of semipostals-two stamps- were not produced until 1923, and were for the benefit of charity. I love this design, where the supplicants and the almsgiver lean toward each other.

1926 Scott B15 15c (+3c) ultramarine & yellow

"Arms of Friesland"

Much like the Switzerland "Coat of Arms" semipostals, the Netherlands likewise had a set of stamps yearly between 1925-27 featuring "Arms" for various districts and towns. The surtax was dedicated for Child Welfare Societies. The sets were also issued as syncopated perforation varieties.

Here, an example is shown from the 1926 four stamp set. Stunning, No?

1927 Scott B20 15c (+5c) ultramarine & red

"Red Cross and Doves"

For the 60th anniversary of the Red Cross Society, a five stamp issue was released in 1927. This stamp has designs of doves outlined within the red cross. But look at the center of the design. I swear it has the image of the Nepal "Siva Mahadeva", a Hindu Deity. !

Nepal 1929 Scott 30 2p dark brown "Siva Mahadeva"

Is my imagination running away with this? ;-)

1928 Scott B30 10c (+2c) scarlet "Running"

The 1928 Olympic Games were held in Amsterdam, and the Netherlands released an eight stamp semipostal set to help defray expenses. No doubt this set was and is popular with the Olympic Games topical collectors. CV ranges from $1+-$10+.

Johnny Weissmuller (of Tarzan movie fame) won two gold medals in swimming, and Paavo Nurmi of Finland won his ninth gold medal in the 10,000 meter race.

1928 Scott B36 12 1/2c (+3 1/2c) ultramarine

"Christian Huygens"

In 1928, a four stamp portrait series was published for the benefit of Child Welfare Societies. Christian Hugens (1629- 1695) was featured on this 12 1/2c ultramarine stamp. Among his accomplishments, were the telescopic observations of the rings of Saturn, and the invention of the pendulum clock.

1930 Scott B41 5c (+5c) blue green

Rembrandt and His "Cloth Merchants of Amsterdam"

For the benefit of the Rembrandt Society, a three stamp set was released in 1930 with the drawing by Rembrandt (1606-1669) as above.

It is interesting that the drawing features Amsterdam merchants, as the Dutch were particularly adept at commerce.

1930 Scott B46 6c (+4c) claret "Autumn"

"The Seasons"- four stamps representing the seasonal calender - was released in 1930, and dedicated for child welfare work. I like the old man of Autumn, getting long in tooth, carrying the possibility of rebirth- a new child.

1932 Scott B59 5c (+3c) red orange & ultramarine

"Cornflower"

A particularly lovely four stamp set was issued in 1932 showing different children and flowers- furze (gorse), cornflower, sunflower, and Christmas rose. Are the designs of today as lovely and poignant as these?

1933 Scott B64 6c (+4c) deep green

"Lifeboat in a Storm"

For the aid of Sailor's Homes, a four stamp set was produced in 1933. "Reddingswezen" means "rescue work".

1933 Scott B67 5c (+3c) dark brown & ocher

"Child Carrying the Star of Hope"

This four stamp set issued in 1933 might be considered one of the earlier Christmas themed designs. The "Star of Hope" is symbolical of Christmas cheer.

1934 Scott B72 6c (+2c) blue

"Dowager Queen Emma"

Queen Emma, the mother of Queen Wilhelmina, and her regent between 1890-1898, while Wilhelmina was still a child, is featured on this 1934 stamp. The surtax was for the Fight Tuberculosis Society. Queen Emma also died in 1934- I don't know if this stamp was for that purpose.

King William III and Queen Emma

The licentious old King- 41 years her senior- married her in 1879. But the marriage was reported as happy, and she did give birth to Wilhelmina in 1880, the King's eventual heiress presumptive.

Deep Blue

1928 Olympic Games issue in Deep Blue

There are some 133 semipostals issued up to 1940, and they are presented on 11 pages in Deep Blue. I noted in the first blog post on the Netherlands, that a number of issues had "syncopated perforations". This is true also for the semipostals. Deep Blue provides two pages for these minor varieties for the 1925-33 issues.

1929 Scott B39 6c (+4c) scarlet "Child on Dolphin"

Big Blue
As I mentioned in the first Netherlands post, Big Blue is exceedingly generous in its coverage of the semipostals- lacking only eight semipostals with the five page coverage. The good news is that Netherlands semipostals are not horribly expensive, with ten @ CV $10+, and one @ CV $20+. And true, many of the semipostals are in the $1+-$5+ range.

For a checklist of the semipostals, consult the first Netherlands blog post.

Now, what is this?

Feeder Big Blues and Deep Blue

Here's a pic of seven Big Blues (Albums or Country pages) getting fed into Deep Blue pages- the three ring binder on the front left. Good thing we have a spare bedroom, and my lovely Better Half lets me use it- No?
Both intriguing and horrifying. ;-)

1934 Scott B73 1 1/2c (+1 1/2c) olive "Poor Child"

Out of the Blue
Simply outstanding semipostal stamp designs from the Netherlands. Get some! ;-)

Note: Pic of Queen Wilhelmina, and pic of William III & Queen Emma appears to be in the public domain.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Quick History
The Netherlands- literally "Low Country"- made even more so by centuries of peat extraction, borders the North Sea, Belgium, and Germany. It is technically only part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (which includes Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten, and the special municipalities of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba- all in the Caribbean). The Kingdom of the Netherlands existed during the 1815-1940 years, the period covered by this classical stamp blog. Even today, it is still a constitutional monarchy.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands

The Capital is Amsterdam, the Seat of Government is The Hague, and the population was 8,700,000 in 1939.

This blog post will concentrate on the European Netherlands, and any relevant stamp issues by the other countries of the Kingdom will be reviewed at another time.

After the French withdrew in 1813, the country became a Kingdom with the proclamation of William I as King on March 16, 1815. He also became hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg. When William III died in 1890 without any male heirs, the union between Luxembourg and the Netherlands was severed. Queen Wilhelmina ruled for the Netherlands, but Luxembourg laws required a male at the time. See my Luxembourg blog post for more specifics.

Stamps for the Netherlands were issued beginning in 1852 with the portrait of King William III.

1871 Scott 17 1/2c red brown "Coat of Arms"

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue, for the Netherlands 1852-1941, has 256 regular, 133 semi-postal, 12 air post, 7 marine insurance, 79 postage due, and 19 official major stamp descriptions. Total = 506. Of those, 307 are CV <$1-$1+, or 61%. The Netherlands is reasonably affordable for a European country.

I am going to split the discussion of the Netherlands into two blog posts.

The next blog post will feature a selection of the many and wonderful semi-postals that have been issued by the Netherlands.

This blog post will cover the rest. ;-)

However, I will mainly focus on the classical regular issues of 1852-1922.

A closer look at the stamps and issues
100 Cents = 1 Gulden
(Guilder or Florin)

1852 Scott 1 5c blue "King William III"

Wmk 158 - "Posthorn", Imperforate

In 1852, Netherlands issued three imperforate stamps - the 5c blue, the 10c lake, and the 15c orange yellow. King William III's image was in the vignette. A "posthorn" watermark was used on the paper- and it appears that the 1852 issue is the only one with that watermark. The paper is thick- almost like postcard. The stamp, in addition, has many minor numbers in Scott due to shades in color- Four for the 5c, four for the 10c, and two for the 15c. CV ranges from $20+-$100+.

1864 Scott 6 15c orange "King William III"

Unwmk, Perforated

In 1864, a new three stamp issue was produced on unwatermarked paper in the same colors and denominations- albeit perforated. CV is $8-$100.

One sees many of the early Netherlands issues with a "FRANCO" postmark stamp.

1869-70 Scott 8 10c lake "William III"

Perforation 14

Between 1867-70, a six stamp issue was produced of "William III", as shown. These were issued with five different perforations, so Scott has many minor numbers for these stamps. CV ranges from $2+-$160 for the major numbers.

1869-70 Scott 9a 15c orange brown "William III"

Perforation 14

One will note here the 15c perforation 14 stamp is a minor number, while the 10c perforation 14 stamp shown before is a major number. The 15c, 20c, 25c, 50c denominations are listed as Perf 12 3/4 X 11 3/4 for the major number.

1869 Scott 18 1c black "Coat of Arms"

The "Coat of Arms" design was used for the 1869-71 issue- some six stamps. CV ranges from $2+ to $70+.

1872 Scott 27 15c brown orange "William III"

Then between 1872-88, an eleven stamp issue was produced with, yet again, the portrait of William III.

William III was the son of William II and Anna Pavlovna of Russia. He succeeded to the throne in 1849. He initially married his first cousin Sophie, a liberal intellectual. William III was conservative, and admired the military. Queen Victoria ( of the United Kingdom) considered him an "uneducated farmer". He was also notorious for his appetite for extramarital affairs.

He was not particularly happy that he was saddled with a constitution agreed to by his father,William II. He would rather have governed as an enlightened despot.

In 1877, Queen Sophie died, and he married Princess Emma- 41 years his junior- of the small German Principality, Waldeck and Pyrmont. ( He really wanted to marry a French opera singer, but society disapproved too much for him to succeed with that idea.)

But the marriage was happy, and Wilhelmina was born in 1880. She became the heiress presumptive in 1884, when the last of his sons died from the previous marriage.

1894 Scott 48 25c dull violet

"Princess Wilhelmina"

Between 1891-94, an eleven stamp set was produced with Princess Wilhelmina's visage portrait. Her father, William III, had died in 1890. As Wilhelmina had not yet reached age 18 (which occurred in 1898), her mother Emma was appointed regent. Note that the portrait shows Wilhelmina when she was eleven years old. ;-)

1896 Scott 52 1g gray violet

"Princess Wilhelmina"

Between 1893-96, a similar bi-colored issue was produced for the four higher denominations. CV for the entire "Princess Wilhelmina" 1891-96 issue ranges from <$1-$20+, save for three stamps.

As the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg could only be inherited through the House of Nassau male line, Wilhelmina could not succeed as ruler there. Instead, Adolphe, Duke of Nassau, who was William's 17th cousin, once removed, assumed the title! His branch still governs the Grand Duchy today.

1920 Scott 79 40c green & orange

"Queen Wilhelmina"

Wilhelmina Helen Pauline Maria then became Queen from 1890-1948- some 58 years!

A new portrait stamp of the (now 18 year old) Queen was first issued in 1898, and continued through 1924. The 27 stamp issue featured the queen, as shown: many are in bi-colors. CV ranges from <$1-$10+.

I should mention that the six lower denominations have a "numeral of value" design-shown elsewhere on the blog post.

1899 Scott 85 5g claret "Queen Wilhelmina"

Four higher values were also issued between 1898-1905, and had this design, as illustrated. The 1g, 2 1/2g, and the 5g are a modest CV <$1-$5+, but the 10g is CV $600+. ! And, be on the lookout for a "Type I" 1g, which has a more robust "1" size numeral, and has a CV of $100+. !

1907 Scott 89 2 1/2c vermilion "

"Admiral M.A. de Ruyter and Fleet"

The first commemorative set- three stamps- for the Netherlands was issued in 1907. The set honored Admiral De Ruyter (1607-1676), who was a naval hero during the Anglo-Dutch wars.

1913 Scott 96 25c pale blue "King William I"

For the centenary of Dutch independence, a 12 stamp issue was released with portraits of King William I, II, III, and Queen Wilhelmina. CV ranges from <$1-$40+ for all stamps, save one.

William I ruled the Netherlands ( and Luxembourg) beginning in 1813, and proclaimed himself King of the Netherlands in 1815. He was quite conservative, and when a constitution was forced upon him in 1840, he could not abide, and he abdicated. His eldest son, William II, then acceded to the throne.

1919 Scott 103 60c on 30c , black overprint

Between 1919-21, five stamps of the "Queen Wilhelmina" variety were surcharged in various ways. Some are quite inexpensive ($1+-$3+), but several others are $80+-$100: rather pricey indeed.

1922 Scott 111 5c carmine rose, Imperforate

"Queen Wilhelmina"

In 1922, several imperforate stamps (5c gray, 10c carmine rose), and a 5c gray perforate stamp of the 1898 Queen type were issued. The imperforate stamps should pose no problems for identification, but what about the 5c that is found perforated? I don't have an illustration here, but the 5c gray (both perforate and imperforate) are drawn with the horizontal lines behind the queen's head much wider apart. ;-)

In the next blog post, which will concentrate on the semi-postals, perhaps I will say more about Queen Wilhelmina, especially during the trying WW II years. Stay tuned. :-)

Deep Blue

1898-1924 "Queen Wilhelmina" issue in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner) has 39 pages for the Netherlands. All of the major Scott numbers have a space. In addition, Steiner provides spaces for the many minor number syncopated perforations- a bit overkill for the classical generalist, but no doubt welcomed by the Netherlands specialist.

1926-27 Scott 173a 6c orange brown "Wilhelmina"

Syncopated Perforations Type A ( 2 sides), 12 1/2

Speaking of syncopated perforations, I thought I should show an example. ;-) They were used on issues during 1925-33, and were for use in stamp vending machines They come in three types: Type A (2 sides), Type B (4 sides), and Type C ( 2 sides-corners only). They are given minor numbers in the Scott catalogue. They generally are valued more than the ordinary perforated stamp issues.

The 1941 "Gull type of 1924-26" issue is found in the Scott Classic catalogue, but not in the "classic' Steiner pages. One can either use a quadrilled page, or "borrow" the pages from the "regular" Steiner pages.

Of the expensive stamps in BB, there is one (1891 Scott 50 1g gray violet ($77+) ) that crosses the $35 threshold, and 21 between $10-$30+. Of those, eleven are semi-postals. See the "comments" section for specifics.

1924-29*
164, 142 or 165, 166,
143 or 168a or 168, 144,145or 169,146 or 171,
147,148,149,175,150 or 176,151 or 177,178,152 or 179,
180,153 or 181,182,154 or 183,184,155 or 187,188,
156 or 189,157 or 190,158 or 191,159 or 192,160,193,

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

This little oval shaped phosphate rock encrusted coral atoll is only 8 square miles in area, and is located in the South Pacific Ocean on the equator south of the Marshall Islands. It is surrounded by a coral reef, so only small boats may access the island.

Location of Nauru in the Pacific Ocean

The original settlers were Micronesian and Polynesian. The island was annexed by Germany in 1888, and attached to the Marshall Islands.

As luck would have it- or curse-, Phosphate (From seabird guano) was discovered on Nauru in 1900, and eventually, 80% of the island was strip-mined.

Map of Nauru

At the beginning of WW I in 1914, the island was captured by Australian forces. After WW I, the island was mandated by the League of Nations to Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom jointly. Naturally, they also took over the phosphate mining.

Overprinted British stamps were introduced for Nauru, beginning in 1916. ( "North West Pacific Islands" overprinted Australian stamps were also used in Nauru during the occupation of WWI. )

The population was 2,600 in 1941, and the Yaren district is where the parliament building is located.

During WW II, Nauru was occupied by the Japanese, and was not liberated until 1945.

Nauru became independent in 1968 and joined the Commonwealth of Nations.

It relies on Australia for military defense- in fact, for significant economic aid.

Limestone shard remnants after phosphate removed

Factoids

• Nauru was originally called "Pleasant Island". But the phosphate stripping has left an environmental disaster. Few native plants, birds, or animals remain. The entire interior of the island is off-limits to human habitation.

• The equatorial climate is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 72 degrees F at night to 95 degrees F during the day.

• Literacy is reported to be 96%, although the unemployment rate (since the demise of the phosphate industry) is quite high.

1937 Scott 36 2p dull orange "George VI"

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has, for Nauru 1916-48, 38 major descriptions. In addition, there are 14 bolded minor descriptions for the 1937-48 glazed surface white paper "Freighter" issue. With the major descriptions, there are only five stamps with CV of <$1-$1+ (13%). Raising the bar to up to $5, and including the bolded minor numbers, there are 26 stamps (50%). Clearly, Nauru is somewhat expensive for the WW classical collector.

A closer look at the stamps and issues
12 Pence = 1 Shilling

1916 Scott 10 6p dull violet "George V"

1912-13 Great Britain stamps overprinted at bottom

Between 1916-23, the stamps of 1912-13 Great Britain were overprinted, as shown, at the foot of the stamp. There are 12 stamps in the set, and CV ranges from $2+-$10+ for 11 stamps.

These are really "occupation stamps" because the Mandate from the League of Nations did not begin until 1923.

There are also seven stamps issued with the overprint centered on the stamp. The CV is much more expensive, and I don't have any. ;-)

1924 Scott 19 1 1/2p red "Freighter"

Unsurfaced grayish paper

Beginning in 1924, and continuing through 1934, fourteen stamps were issued on unsurfaced grayish paper. The image shows a "Freighter" off the shores of Nauru. One needed to actually use a small craft to land on Nauru, because of the outer coral reefs.

The Scott catalogue gives this issue major numbers. CV is $2-$10+ for 11 stamps.

1948 Scott 21a 2 1/2p blue "Freighter"

Glazed surface white paper

Then, between 1937 and 1948, the fourteen stamp issue was continued, except the paper used was glazed surface white paper. This change in paper is given bolded minor numbers in Scott. The colors of the major and minor issue is the same, except the 3p pale blue major stamp is a 3p greenish gray color in the minor stamp.

CV is $1+-$9 for 9 stamps.

1935 Scott 34 1sh brown red, glazed paper

25th anniversary of the reign of George V

Of interest, Nauru did not receive one of the "Silver Jubilee" omnibus issues produced for most British colonies. Perhaps, that is because it was a mandated territory, shared by Australia and New Zealand.

A four stamp overprinted issue on glazed paper was produced, however, in 1935, to mark the occasion.

1937 Scott 38 1sh brown violet "George VI"

Coronation of King George VI

Nauru did produce a four stamp set in 1937 to mark the occasion of the enthronement of King George VI.

This set must have been widely distributed by the philatelic trade, as these stamps appear commonly in my feeder albums.

Deep Blue

1916-23 British Issues of 1912-13 overprinted at Foot in Deep Blue

The Deep Blue album (Steiner) has four pages for 1916-48 Nauru. All the major Scott numbers are given a space. But the bolded minor numbers for the 1937-48 glazed surface white paper "Freighter" issue- some 14 spaces- are not given a space. Pity. I needed a quadrilled page for that issue.

1935 Scott 32 2p orange

"His Majesty's Jubilee"

Big Blue

Big Blue '69, on one page, has 22 stamp spaces for Nauru. Coverage (major numbers only) is 58%. Nauru is located after Natal in the '69, and after Mozambique Company ( and on the same page as Nevis) in the '47 edition.

Of interest , the '69 provides nine spaces for the first 1916-23 issue, while the '47 only has seven spaces.

Observations

• There are two stamps with CV >$10. But, a number of the other stamps are in the $2-$6 category, so a bit more expensive to fill for the BB completest.

• One could put either the unsurfaced (1924-34) or glazed stamps (1937-48) in the "1924" "Freighter" issue spaces. The unsurfaced stamps are, though, more "true" to the intentions of BB. See the Comments section for an elaboration.

Checklist

1915-16

1,2,4,6,7,

8,9,10,(12),

1924*

17,18,19,20,21,

1935

31,32,33,34,

1937

35,36,37,38,

End

Comments

A) Expensive stamps ($10 threshold):

1916 Scott 10 6p dull violet ($10)

1916 (Scott 12) 1sh bister ($10+)

B) ( ) around a number indicates a blank space choice.

C) *1924 -This is the issue on unsurfaced grayish paper issued between 1924-34. If one wishes to be true to the BB dates, then only the unsurfaced issue would be put in. But there is also the minor number 1937-48 glazed surface white paper issue, which, since the issue only has minor numbers, is also allowed in. And some of the 1937-48 stamps are several dollars cheaper. Your choice. ;-)

1916 Scott 11 9p black brown "George V"

1912-13 Stamps of Great Britian, overprinted at bottom

Out of the Blue

A coral atoll in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean would be an image of paradise for many of us.

The reality, with the phosphate dust hanging in the air, is, well,.....reality.

And little Nauru, the world's smallest republic, with the desperate lack of jobs, could use a little tourism.